Omaha daily bee., 1887-05-15
lmprove the Parks.

As the summer days draw near people
OF all classes and conditions are moved
to think at times of the discomforts in.
separable from the sweltering heat OF
July and August, and to reflect upon the
means OF relief that may be at their com.
mand. To few the weather is not q
disturbing one. Their lines are cast in
pleasant places, and not only is their
time at their own disposal, but they have
the means to crafty whatever determi-
nation they may reach as to where and
how 1t shall be disposed of. Such may
HE them to the sea shore, IL that shall
seem best for social considerations or
any other reason; or they may betake
themselves to some northern lake resort,
where the breezes are cooler than at
the sea and the requirements of
fashion less exacting; or they may
go into the mountains. and sequestered
there, away from the busy haunts Of men
and the "madding crowd" commune with
nature, finding gladness in the prmeval
forest and the sweetest of music in the
ripping rill; or they may go to other
lands, and there at once escape the dis
comforts of life at home. and gain a So
cial distinction for having been abroad
But it is only few who are thus hap
PLY situated. The very great majority
must remain at the post of duty, no mat
ter what may bctide. The wheels OF
trade end industry can no more be stop
ped in July and August than they can in
December and January. They may re-
volve q little less vigorously, but they
must be kept going, That is necessary in
order that the prosperous may continue
in their prosperity and that
those who must labor shall
not even for little time lose the reward
OF their toll. 1t is this great majority
this army of toilers that cannot stop the
| daily round, whether the temperature be
| cold or hot who are now contemplating
| the approach of the summer solsticc with
forebodings Of its inevitable discomforts
These are the people who after the weary
work of the day in the close counting
room, the crowded store, and the ill-ven
tllated shops, would find relief and re
cuperatiOn in some out of door breathing
place where there were conveniences fol
rest and some attractions besides those
which nature has placed there. Where
shall they go9
Omaha will undoubtedly some da,
have parks-perhaps several O
them. Atpresent there Is one, but it il
not particularly inviting spct
Many of those who 90 ther,
do so because there is nothing
/ haf tor t.No ~ 4
change of air they must have. 1t coul,
be made an exceedingly attractive
place, and ought to be. The expendi
ture necessary to accomplish this neet
not be great, but whatever the sum de
voted to this purpose, there is hardly an,
other way in which it could be NOR,
judiciously employed for the genera
good. Hanscom park is being surrounde,
by fine residences, it is easily accessible
its natural conditions need not be mucl
altered. But the art of the landscap,
gardener could be utilized to moderat
extent. Some grading could be done, tn
existing walks could be improved an
Others made, and there might be NOR
liberal supply of seats, of course of iron
All this could be done at a reasonabl
outlay, and would render the park "a we
come resort for thousands. jefferson
Square, also, should be improved. 1t
only an eyesore now, and being one @
the features of the city which cannc
be concealed from strangers, subjects u
to ridicule. As a central "breathin
spot" it should be put in condition t
meet that requirement.. The man VIII
shall bring about these desirable in
provements will deserve to be regarde
as public benefactor.